Voice of the people (letter).

Early School

August 25, 2000|By Marian Neudel.

CHICAGO — The original purpose of Labor Day in this country was to provide families with a last long weekend before the beginning of school. But for the past several years, almost all public schools and many private schools, colleges and universities have been starting before Labor Day, which is a major inconvenience for families who want to travel on the long weekend and for teachers who have to spend it preparing for classes.

It's a little mind-boggling to hear the educational experts tell us, usually in the same breath, that the quality of instruction in our schools is a disaster and that the school year is too short.

This sounds a little like the irate restaurant patron complaining because the food was terrible and the servings were too small.